Terry Nobis, a 1976 graduate of WMU, said he shut down his
business, Nobis Agri Science in Plainwell, so he could watch the game at Old Burdick's Bar & Grill in downtown Kalamazoo with his son and some friends.

Despite the loss, Nobis, a season-ticket
holder, said it was worth taking the day off to cheer on the Broncos.

"I was expecting a little better showing today but it's nice
to be in the Dance," Nobis said. "There is a good, festive crowd here and the
team is doing exceptionally well this year."

"I honestly didn't intend for this many students,
faculty and alumni to come out," said Connor Smith, the university pride chair of the
Western Student Association. "Regardless of the outcome,
this game is all about supporting the team."

Jenn Callahan, associate vice president of development for
the WMU Alumni Association, said more than 30 watch parties had been organized throughout
the country to cheer on the Broncos. She said she was pleased to see a turnout
of about 100 fans at Burdick's.

"I think we have good fans, so any time Broncos can get
together to cheer on Broncos, we usually get a good crowd," Callahan said. "I think
it's exciting that they made the tournament. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
for those players. It is something that they will never forget no matter what
the score was."